Brunel ‘tunnel of light’ reopens to the public for two days only

Eighth wonder: Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Thames Tunnel was built between 1825 and 1843

The public is to get its first chance in 145 years to see an underwater tunnel by Isambard Kingdom Brunel that was a triumph of Victorian engineering.

The Thames Tunnel is open today and tomorrow and a Fancy Fair originally held in 1852 deep below the river will be recreated at the nearby Brunel Museum.

The tunnel was built between 1825 and 1843 by Marc Brunel and his son, Isambard, and was the first known to have been built beneath a navigable river.

Hailed as an eighth wonder of the world, the route from Wapping to Rotherhithe quickly became a thriving shopping arcade and entertainment centre.

It was illuminated by lights along its 1,300ft length and by the end of the first week of its opening, half the population of the capital were said to have paid to walk "the shining avenue of light to Wapping".

The two-day opening is taking place at the conclusion of the Mayor of London's East festival celebrating east London.

The Brunel Museum tours will take in the grand entrance hall and the 1867 arch at the Rotherhithe entrance. It is now an International Landmark Site, one of six in Britain, but is usually closed to the public.